Forefoot Running Shoes | 5 Best Running Shoes for Forefoot Strikers (2019 Edition)

Last Updated on March 29, 2019

Are you a forefoot striker? Well, if you are one, then you certainly know the advantages and disadvantages of being one. While forefoot running is more efficient as compared to other running techniques, the risk of injuries is also greater. Adjusting to the right pace is a significant factor that can contribute to improved performance.

So, have you ever thought about increasing your pace and performance? In case you haven’t, it’s time you do it now. In this article, we have reviewed the best running shoes for forefoot strikers. These shoes have been designed keeping in mind the needs of forefoot strikers. Read on to find out more.

Before we move on to reviewing the best running shoes for forefoot strikers, let us first understand what a forefoot strike exactly means.

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Product

Best Overall

Brooks Ghost 11

• Consistently highest rated neutral running shoe (versatile)
• Lightweight, but durable broad base of support
• 4.8 of 5 stars on Amazon (don’t just take my word for it)

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Best Budget

Mizuno Wave Rider

• A solid $10-20 cheaper than the other options (great value).
• 100% mesh breathable knit
• Anatomical sock liner for additional support

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Most Lightweight

Newton Gravity 7

• Most lightweight shoe for forefoot strikers (only 8.7 ounces)
• Highly breathable mesh fabric
• Industry leading “heal lock” to prevent slippage

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What is a forefoot strike?

Forefoot strike is a running technique where a runner lands by positioning their foot horizontally on the ground on touchdown. It offers a safe base and doesn’t cast a heavy impact on the knees.

In simpler words, in the case of forefoot running, you strike on the forefoot instead of your midfoot or heel striking.

What are the advantages of forefoot striking?
Forefoot striking has a lot to offer. Here are a few advantages of forefoot striking:

Shock Absorption

Striking on the forefoot helps the body in absorbing shock more efficiently and easily. The wide anatomy of the foot increases the surface area for shock absorption reducing the sudden impact.

Enhanced Speed

Forefoot running involves placing none or very little weight on the heel. This leads to a smooth transition and in turn, amplifies speed and performance.

What are the disadvantages of forefoot running?

While there are advantages of forefoot running, there is a disadvantage too. Forefoot running can cause soreness in the quadriceps, shins, or Achilles tendon.

Running in shoes specially designed for forefoot strikers is something that you should try. In the next section, we will talk about some of the best running shoes for forefoot strikers on the market. By the end of the article, you’ll be in a position to pick the best product based on your requirement.

Best Forefoot Running Shoes

Let’s now look at the 5 best running shoes for forefoot strikers.

• Brooks Ghost 11

Notable Features:

• Use of HPR rubber and blown rubber to provide durability, flexibility, and traction
• Brooks’ Cush Pod Configuration to add cushioning
• BioMoGo DNA to get a more responsive and flexible ride
• Omega Flex Grooves to get a flexibility
• Use of S-257 technology in the midsole
• Profile sock liner offers extra padding
• Lightweight and breathable upper
• Use of synthetic overlays
• Adjustable saddle construction
• Sole Technology

Outsole Technology

The outsole of Brooks Ghost 11 is constructed with two kinds of rubbers namely HPR Plus, and blown rubber. The forefoot area of these shoes is covered with blown rubber. This robust rubber offers durability, as well as flexibility. The heel area of these shoes is covered with HPR Plus which ensures durability and traction on different kinds of surfaces.

A notable feature of the outsole is Brook’s Cush Pod Configuration which offers added cushioning. This feature brings the foot to a balanced position from heel strike to toe off and makes forward propulsion very efficient.

Midsole Technology

The midsole of these shoes is made of BioMoGo DNA foam which corresponds to the natural contour of your foot. The foam offers a better adaptability and hence, a more responsive ride.

S-257 is another technology that has been incorporated in the midsole of these shoes. This insole material provides added cushioning making them extremely comfortable.

The presence of Omega Flex Grooves in the midsole ensures flexibility. These grooves cover the sides of these running shoes.

To add more cushioning to the shoes, the makers have used Profile Sock liner which is an extra layer of padding to enhance the feel of the inside of these shoes.

Upper

The upper of these shoes is constructed using engineered mesh. The dorsal part of your foot derives support from the breathable mesh material which is elastic enough to offer a snug fit. The material also makes sure that the inner environment of your shoes stays cool and healthy.

The upper design features synthetic overlays strategically placed on the areas such as mid-foot, toe tip, and heel. These overlays help in maintaining the true shape of the shoes and ensure a better fit.

The adjustable saddle construction of these shoes provides a better mid-foot fit.

Size and Fit

The shoes are available in standard shoe sizes. The width options include normal, narrow, and wide.

Pros and Cons

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13

Notable Features:

• Soft and breathable engineered mesh
• Synthetic overlays to retain the original form
• Soft and responsive midsole
• Cushlon compound offers durability
• Air pockets in the heel, as well as forefoot sections
• Dura-DS in the forefoot section offering better traction
• Robust carbon compound on the outsole
• Deep Anatomical Flex Grooves in the outsole
• Rubber crash rails on the lateral section
• Internal bootie construction keeps irritation at bay
• Comfort Fit Collar keeping the foot in place
• Sole Technology

Outsole Technology

The outsole of Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 utilizes BRS 1000 carbon rubber that provides amazing traction. The heavy-duty rubber material also protects the unit from wear and tear which is very likely on an asphalt surface.

Dura-DS covers the forefoot section which provides added traction and helps in absorbing shock. It provides energy for toe-off.

The outsole also features Deep Anatomical Flex Grooves that promote a natural gait cycle by allowing the foot to bend as naturally as possible. They also add to the responsiveness.

The rubber crash rails that cover the lateral section offer optimum cushioning.

Midsole Technology

The midsole of these running shoes is constructed using Lunar foam compound which offers a springiness to the shoes offering a responsive ride. The Cushlon component enhances the durability of the midsole unit while at the same time offering resiliency and cushioning.

The forefoot and heel sections feature Zoom Air which is pressurized air pockets that lock compressed air to enhance cushioning and the capacity to absorb shock.

The molded sock liner offers proper cushioning to the arch.

Upper

The upper of these shoes is constructed using a thin engineered mesh which is soft, breathable, and also, offers a snug fit. The printed synthetic overlays work by maintaining the proper form.

Strips of clothes are embedded in the mesh forming the Dynamic Fit system to offer a snug midfoot wrap.

The internal bootie construction makes the inner environment irritation-free. You will never have to experience blisters and hot spots and so, you can run even without socks.

The padded Comfort Fit Collar offers complete support to the ankles and heel. It keeps the foot in place.

Size and Fit

The shoe uses standard measurement. The available width options include medium and wide.

Pros and Cons

Newton Gravity 7

 Notable Features:

• Use of Strobel Last in the upper ensuring strength and flexibility
• Breathable engineered mesh in the upper
• 360 Degree Reflectivity material in the upper to enhance visibility
• 4-Way Stretch Mesh Metatarsal Panel to offer a better fit
• Pre-Molded Heel Counter to provide optimum heel support
• The new Newtonium Cushioning System offering comfortable and responsive cushioning
• Use of Action/Reaction Technology in the midsole
• Biomechanical Metatarsal Sensor Plate in the midsole
• ETC Sockliner to offer comfort
• High Rebound EVA and POP1 technology adding responsiveness
• The phalangeal pattern in the outsole offering better traction
• High-density rubber in the forefoot section
• High-bound EVA in the outsole
• Sole Unit

Outsole Unit

Newton Gravity 7 is one of the best running shoes for forefoot strikers. It is laden with truckloads of features that make it a favorite among the runners.

The shoes feature SHARC outsole which follows a phalangeal pattern to correspond with the foot’s natural movement and enhance traction. It also ensures durability and offers great traction on dry, as well as wet surfaces.

The forefoot area of the outsole is covered with a high-density rubber that provides a robust performance. High-bound EVA foam in the outsole ensures cushioning and durability.

Midsole Technology

Just like the outsole, the midsole of these excellent running shoes also features many latest technologies. One of these is the Newtonium Cushioning System. This foam technology ensures a very comfortable and responsive cushioning and in turn offers a better ride.

The forefoot and heel area sees the use of Action/Reaction Technology which offers excellent energy return. The use of POP1 features offers better flexibility and more cushioning. The lugs receding to the chambers filled with air provide a responsive ride. This feature along with High Rebound EVA offers a very durable and plush underfoot cushioning.

The most celebrated feature of Newton Gravity 7 is the use of Biomechanical Metatarsal Sensor Plate which enhances the proprioception of the runner.

The ETC Sockliner enhances comfort.

Upper

The upper of Newton Gravity 7 incorporates the use of Strobel Last that ensures comfort, flexibility, as well as strength.

Made up of engineered mesh, the upper offers a seamless finish. The lightweight and breathable material allow proper inflow of air keeping the inner environment clean.

The 4-Way Stretch Mesh Metatarsal Panel adapts to the natural shape of your foot. The overall feel is further enhanced with the Heel Lace Lock that keeps the foot secure in a place.

The flexible and breathable tongue also contributes towards enhancing the overall fit.

You can safely run in these shoes even in the low-light condition. Thanks to its 360-degree reflectivity.

Heel support is guaranteed with the use of Pre-Molded Heel Counter. The semi-flat and lightweight laces offer a snug fit.

Size and Fit

Many wearers have described it as a shoe true to its size. The shoes are available in medium width.

Pros and Cons

Hoka One One Clifton 4

Notable Features:

• Strategically placed lightweight rubber on the outsole
• Full-length EVA midsole to achieve responsiveness, as well as durability
• Use of Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry in the midsole
• Elastic and breathable engineered mesh in the upper
• Use of 3D Puff Print Frame in the upper to enhance durability
• Use of Ortholite Sockliner to enhance comfort
• Ideal for training and long-distance running
• Sole Technology

Outsole Technology

The outsole of Hoka One One Clifton 4 uses a lightweight rubber compound that is placed strategically over the unit. The areas equipped with this compound contribute to providing traction. The material also enhances the energy return.

Midsole Technology

The midsole of these running shoes is made from EVA foam covering the entire length of the unit. It provides durability and responsiveness.

The use of Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry and a transition zone offers a smooth ride.

Upper

The upper of these shoes is made with Engineered Mesh which is amazingly elastic. The breathable material ensures the proper flow of air inside the foot.

The durability of the mesh is further enhanced with the use of 3D Puff Print Frame which also secures the foot in place, helps in maintaining the form and shape of the shoes, and gives it a stylish look.

The molded Ortholite Sockliner provides comfort by corresponding to the natural contours of the foot. The material doesn’t let moisture irritate your skin and keep bacterial and fungal infection away.

Size and Fit

The shoe comes in standard running shoe length. The width options range from normal to wide.

Pros and Cons

Mizuno Wave Rider 21

Notable Features:

• Combination of blown rubber and Mizuno’s X10 carbon rubber in the outsole
• Use of Flex Controllers in the outsole to make it more flexible
• Use of U4ic in the midsole
• Use of U4ixC Heel Wedge to attain a responsive ride
• SmoothRide enhancing the efficiency of stride length
• Anatomical sock liner
• Use of Dynamotion Fit design in the upper
• Lace-up closure system
• Extra heel padding to add comfort
• Sole technology

Outsole Technology

The outsole of these running shoes uses the brand’s X10 carbon rubber along with blown rubber. The carbon rubber is used in the heel area to minimize the impact on landing and hence, increasing the durability.

The forefoot area is adorned with blown rubber which makes the outsole flexible and light in weight. It also ensures a better cushioning and even distribution of force.

The bottom also flaunts Flex Controllers that are placed on the high flex areas enhance flexibility.

Midsole Technology

The midsole of Mizuno Wave Rider 21 comprises of U4ic which is a very lightweight material. It provides better performance, shock absorption, resilience, and responsiveness.

The use of U4ixC Heel Wedge provides a very responsive ride and gives a soft underfoot feel. It also contributes towards even dissipation of impact on landing.

The Cloudwave running from heel to midfoot offers a very smooth and soft ride. The SmoothRide design helps in providing a natural movement of the foot.

The shoes also incorporate anatomical sock liner that not just offers cushioning but also amplifies comfort and responsiveness.

Upper

The upper of these shoes feature Dynamotion Fit Design. The stretch mesh covering the upper makes it easy to move the foot and also provides proper ventilation.

The brand’s logo, made up of synthetic material, is placed on the lateral sides ensure structural support.

Furthermore, the lace-up closure keeps the foot in place. The flex eyelets ensure free foot movements. The extra heel padding provides proper protection and cushioning.

Size and Fit

The shoes are available in standard sizes. The available width options are normal and wide.

Pros and Cons

So, who’s the winner here?

Even though all the running shoes for forefoot strikers listed in the article are leading the pack in their own way, there has to be a clear winner and in this case, the winner is the Brooks Ghost 11 here. The shoes provide excellent traction that is important for forefoot strikers and the forefoot and heel sections feature an enhanced wider base of cushioning for optimal weight distribution.

Nevertheless, the choice is completely yours. Based on your requirement, you can pick the best running shoes for forefoot strikers from the products discussed above. If you have more questions, you can write to us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Just Pick the Brooks Ghost Already! Price: Look, you can compare ALL of the shoes like our team did, but I have to say my all-time favorite is the Brooks Ghost running shoe. It consistently makes the top of our list of the very best running shoes for the money. View on Amazon We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Last Updated: September 15, 2019

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• Top Stability Running Shoes
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• Top Barefoot Running Shoes
• Top Cushioned Running Shoes
• What Are the Best Running Shoes for Hip Pain?
• What Are the Best Running Shoes for Metatarsalgia?
• What Are the Best Running Shoes for Concrete Surfaces?